Nissan Capitalizes On NYC Taxi Of Tomorrow Debut

A top story at the 2012 New York Auto Show is the debut of the production version of the NYC Nissan ‘Taxi Of Tomorrow’. The formal unveiling was expected following the Design Expo Nissan held last fall which previewed the interior of the new cab.

We wondered to what degree Nissan would use the taxi contract as a channel to promote their consumer vehicles. The answer is clear for anyone walking the blocks surrounding the Javits Convention Center. Nissan has a billboards on 10th Ave as well as one directly across from Javits. The latter is double sided and features an animated door panel which slides open to reveal the interior.

On the show floor, the NV200 Taxi was given prime up front display space. During the press days, all the doors were open and anyone could hop in the drivers seat or test the passenger cabin. We’re guessing once the show opens for the public, they’ll have the same opportunity.

We like the exterior graphic treatment, especially the large ‘T’ on the sliding doors. There are also integrated alert lights in the rear window which signal cyclists or passing motorists of passengers exiting the vehicle. There is also a serious amount of legroom in the passenger cabin. No more mashed knees for taller passengers.

If there is one thing to be critical of it is the finishes in the interior. The dark grey color instantly shows dirt and makes the cabin feel rather drab. Even inside Javits where cleaning crews constantly windex everything, there were still shoe scuffs visible on the cab’s divider panel.

The NV200 Cabs won’t be in service in NYC till next year, so the 2012 New York Auto Show is the only place to check one out till then.